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I'm currently working on the feasibility study and preliminary conceptual design (if found feasible) of a Very Large Transport Helicopter (like CH-53, Mi-26). We have the necessary models, tools and design processes to achieve this, however a better understanding of the operational requirements is needed as a starting point (having never designed this class of aircraft before). At the very least, we need a basic understanding of what RAF/RN/US Navy/etc. would want to carry, how far and in what kind of environment.

So if anybody here is familiar with military aircraft operations, I will be very grateful for just a rough idea of how helicopters in this class are used in the field. Particularly,

1. What kind of payloads(weight and size) they usually carry and how far? As in, some typical mission profiles/cases. (Particularly: Why do you want to use one CH-53 for this instead of 2-3 Blackhawks?)
2. In reference to the above, what you feel are limitations of existing platforms.

I'm working on the idea that France had bought it instead of the Super Etendard. But this would mean the A-7 would have to be able to carry at least 1 Exocet, which has a weight of 670kg and a diameter of 35cm. I'm assuming it would use the inner pylon, as it's usually the one that can carry the heaviest load.

What attaches a bomb to a pylon? And how is it released? What are the G limit for something like that?

Okay this is a standard MK 82 500 lb bomb. Notice the 2 eyebolts on the top. Those eyebolts are engaged on a Bomb Shackle by to hooks that can be withdrawn in order to drop the bomb

This shows a B-17 vertical bomb shackle and how the bombs were released straight down out of the bomb bay by gravity. The shackles are embedded in the vertical racks. This was pretty standard on US WW 2 bombers.

Here is the shackle arrangement on a Lancaster the shackles have the hooks on the top with arms screwed down to keep the bombs in place.

So its eyebolts on the bomb engaging latches on the rack.

Electronic signal from the target computer....or the Mk1 Mod 0 eyeball and firing button in the case of the A-10....cause the latch hooks to disengage.

The amount of G forces is dependent on the type of rack and size of ordnance.

If you are humping 2000 pounders you use a larger, more robust rack than for 500 pounders.

“Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it.”
Mark Twain

This shows a B-17 vertical bomb shackle and how the bombs were released straight down out of the bomb bay by gravity. The shackles are embedded in the vertical racks. This was pretty standard on US WW 2 bombers.

Thank you, AR.

This is actually my next question. Are those bombs latched to the rack at a 45 degree angle? What if a latch at the bottom malfunctioned but the one on top released the bomb?